Detectives from the Toowoomba Child Protection and Investigation Unit, the Child Trauma Unit and the Homicide Investigation Unit have arrested 12 people in relation to the alleged murder of an eight-year-old girl at Rangeville in January.
A joint multi-unit investigation, Operation Uniform Music was established after the eight-year-old’s body was located at a Rangeville home on Saturday, January 8.
A 47-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man, known to the child, were charged on January 11 with murder, torture and fail to comply with necessities of life.
After extensive investigations, it will be alleged that the child suffered from an underlying health condition and was denied medical treatment for a period of approximately six days.
It is alleged the girl passed away on January 7, with emergency services contacted at approximately 5.30pm on January 8.
It will be further alleged the 12 people arrested are members of a religious group who were present during this period, were aware of the girl’s medical condition and did not seek medical assistance.
This morning a search was conducted by police at a residence in Homestead Avenue, in Harristown, where 12 residents were taken into custody.
The people, of the below ages and genders, are expected to be charged with murder later today:
A 64-year-old woman,
A 60-year-old man,
A 34-year-old woman,
A 32-year-old woman,
A 31-year-old woman,
A 29-year-old woman,
A 26-year-old woman,
A 23-year-old man,
A 23-year-old woman,
A 21-year-old man,
A 20-year-old woman,
A 19-year-old man.
Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Acting Superintendent Garry Watts said the investigation was an unprecedented example of alleged murder of a child in Queensland.
“It will be alleged that 14 people in total made the choice to deny this young girl her right to medical care,” Detective Acting Superintendent Watts said.
“The arrests are the result of a six-month investigation, in which all officers involved were dedicated to ensuring those alleged to be responsible for her death, are brought before the court.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
